Agatha Christie's 1957 mystery, The 4.50 from Paddington, was published as What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw! in the U.S. In 1962 it was adapted by MGM with Margaret Rutherford as Jane Marple; it was adapted for television in 1988 with Joan Hickson.

Although the character of Lucy Eyelesbarrow, a protégé to Miss Marple, was well received, Christie did not include her in any future titles.

The New York Herald Tribune described The 4:50 from Paddington as, "Precisely what one expects: the most delicious bamboozling possible, bright talk, a bristle of suspicion... a neat succession of clues."

Behind the Scenes
Screenwriter Stephen Churchett has successfully developed scripts for both television and theatre -- in addition to acting in a variety of roles as well.

Previous television writing credits include The Remorseful Day, a two-hour dramatization of the final Inspector Morse novel; the final episodes of the miniseries Monsignor Renard and Hornblower: Duty. He also wrote two episodes of the final series of Kavanagh QC.

Churchett's first play, Tom & Clem, moved from the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to the Aldwych Theatre in the West End and starred Michael Gambon and Alex McCowen. It was nominated for a 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play. He also wrote Heritage which starred George Cole, Gwen Taylor and Tim Piggott Smith, and adapted Raymond Briggs' book Ethel & Ernest for Nottingham Playhouse.

Churchett has appeared on-camera in EastEnders, A Bridge Too Far and Secrets & Lies.

Director Andy Wilson began his career as an actor. He joined the Rational Theatre Company in 1980 and established his own company, Hidden Grin, in 1984; he directed 14 major productions in seven years. Andy also appeared as a clown with Circus Lumiere and the celebrated Circus Archaos from France.

His impressive credits include the award-winning miniseries Gormenghast, MI-5, The Forsyte Saga Series II, An Evening With Gary Lineker starring Clive Owen and three Cracker episodes starring Robbie Coltrane. In 1997 Wilson directed the feature film Playing God starring David Duchovny and Angelina Jolie.

Locations
Filming locations for What Mrs. McGillicuddy Saw included Highclere Castle, the largest castle in Hampshire and a Victorian gem. Highclere has been the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon since the late Earl died in 2001, and the home of their ancestors, the Herbert family since the early 18th century. The 3rd Earl built the present house in 1842; his son, the 4th Earl, completed the interiors.

Located about an hour from Paddington Station, Highclere is surrounded by memorable gardens and grounds.